Governor Patrick Morrisey of West Virginia announced that two members of the state’s National Guard, who had been dispatched to Washington D.C., were tragically shot and killed on Wednesday, just a short distance from the White House.
According to a law enforcement source, a suspect was apprehended and also suffered gunshot injuries, though these are not considered life-threatening. The source provided this information on the condition of anonymity, as they were not authorized to speak publicly about the ongoing investigation.
In a social media statement, Governor Morrisey expressed his condolences and noted that the state is maintaining communication with federal authorities as they continue their investigation into the incident.
As part of a Thanksgiving address to military personnel, a military spokesperson, Vance, underscored the unfortunate event as a poignant reminder of the crucial role that soldiers—whether in active duty, reserves, or the National Guard—play as protectors of the United States.
In response to the incident, a representative of Mayor Muriel Bowser stated that city officials are closely following developments. Earlier in the day, Mayor Bowser attended a Thanksgiving gathering at the Convention Center and later addressed the media to announce her decision not to run for another term.
In August, then-President Trump authorized an emergency order that temporarily federalized the local police and deployed National Guard units from several states, including the District of Columbia. Although the order concluded after a month, the National Guard personnel remained stationed in the capital.
The soldiers have patrolled neighbourhoods, train stations and other locations, participated in highway checkpoints and also have been assigned to trash pickup and to guard sports events.
Last week, a federal judge ordered an end to the deployment but also put her order on hold for 21 days to allow the Trump administration time to either remove the troops or appeal the decision.
